# The all-screen keyboard is finally here... - DS Pixel Keyboard

Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=omDLcfLMYZg
Recap page: https://rapidrecap.app/video/omDLcfLMYZg
Generated: 2025-10-09T22:05:43.158+00:00

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## Quick Overview

The reviewer finds both the standard capacitive touch DS Pixel Key Pro and the newer Hall effect Erggo version to be incredibly cool novelties that they love despite acknowledging they are not necessarily good keyboards, concluding that while they want one for its historical significance, they cannot recommend purchasing them due to high cost and functional compromises.

**Key Points:**
- The capacitive DS Pixel Key Pro felt "honestly worse than like your regular membrane keyboard" and resulted in a typing speed of 22 WPM with 83% accuracy on the first test.
- The Erggo version, which uses Hall effect switches instead of capacitive touch, provided a significantly better typing experience, achieving 106 WPM with 97% accuracy.
- The standard version requires two cables—one for data and one for power—because it lacks a single cable solution, and it exhibits around 30 milliseconds of latency on the 8 kHz model.
- The standard version has a significant flaw where resting fingers between words registers as an input, causing errors, and the capacitive typing mode is tedious to set up by slotting in nubbins.
- The Erggo version comes in a much nicer package, including a case and cloth, features QMK/VIA compatibility, and achieved a much more reasonable 1 millisecond latency on the 8 kHz model.
- A major functional drawback is that the keyboard cannot be used for typing when displaying external video via HDMI, as the keyboard functionality is disabled.
- The standard DS Pixel Key Pro is expensive, retailing at $659 on sale from a previous price near $1,000, while the Erggo version is currently only on Kickstarter with no set price.

**Context:** The video reviews two versions of the DS Pixel Key product line: the DS Pixel Key Pro, which features an all-screen capacitive touch surface allowing direct typing on the display, and the newer DS Pixel Key Erggo version, which utilizes a split Alice layout and Hall effect switches instead of capacitive touch. The reviewer focuses on testing the typing experience, build quality, connectivity options (including using the keyboard as a secondary display via HDMI), and overall novelty value of these expensive, unique input devices.

## Detailed Analysis

The reviewer initially expresses high excitement for the capacitive DS Pixel Key Pro, noting its dual functionality as both a keyboard and a secondary display via HDMI, although they immediately doubt the typing experience. The initial feel of the capacitive keypad was surprisingly bad, worse than a membrane keyboard, leading to poor performance on a typing test (22 WPM). Connectivity requires two plugs for data and power simultaneously, and the reviewer notes minor quality control issues like a missing screw and rattling components upon arrival. Upon activating the keyboard, the reviewer is impressed by the on-screen key animations that react to input, calling the experience "incredible" despite the space bar being hard to hit due to a large gap. When testing the Erggo version, which uses magnetic Hall effect switches and features a split Alice layout, the experience is vastly superior, achieving 106 WPM with 97% accuracy and only 1 millisecond of latency. However, the Erggo version has noticeable construction gaps and screws that are not flush, disappointing for a premium product. While the capacitive version allows typing directly on the screen, the Erggo version requires physical keycaps, though these clear caps obscure the screen animations. A significant limitation across both is that using the HDMI output disables the keyboard function, meaning they cannot be used simultaneously as a display and input device. Ultimately, the reviewer finds both versions sick and historic novelties they want but cannot recommend purchasing due to the high cost (the Pro is $659 on sale) and functional shortcomings compared to traditional keyboards.

### DS Pixel Key Pro (Capacitive) Review

- Typing experience felt very bad, resulting in 22 WPM and 83% accuracy
- Required two cables for data and power
- Display animations upon keypress were considered incredible
- Latency measured around 30 milliseconds on the 8 kHz model

### DS Pixel Key Erggo (Hall Effect) Review

- Features a split Alice layout and Hall effect switches, offering a much better typing experience at 106 WPM and 97% accuracy
- Achieved 1 millisecond latency
- Came with better packaging including a case and cloth
- Switches have clear keycaps that obscure the screen visuals

### Display Functionality and Connectivity

- The device includes an HDMI port allowing use as a secondary display (3840x1100 resolution on 14 inches)
- Typing capability is disabled when the HDMI output is active
- The standard version requires two separate cables for charging and data connection

### Build Quality and Customization

- The standard Pro model is a full aluminum build with slight rattling and missing screws upon arrival
- Both versions offer customization through QMK/VIA compatibility, allowing users to upload custom animations for the screen
- The Erggo version has noticeable gaps in its construction tolerances